Sen. Cornyn surveys the damage from Texas plant explosion

While many Americans trained their eyes on the outskirts of Boston, Sen. John Cornyn surveyed the damage left by a massive deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant in his state of Texas.

The Republican lawmaker announced he would be touring the site in West, Texas, a small town north of Waco, less than 24 hours after the blast wreaked havoc on the small plains town late Wednesday.

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At least a dozen bodies, many of them firefighters, have been pulled from the site in the aftermath of an incident that began as a major fire before exploding with the force of an earthquake after igniting chemicals inside the plant.

About 200 people were injured, and Mr. Cornyn said about 60 people are unaccounted for, according to CNN.

“In this close community, I grieve with the injured, and the family and friends who have lost loved ones,” Mr. Cornyn said. “After seeing the site first-hand, I know the road to recovery will be long, but I am encouraged by the many examples I have already seen of this town’s resilience.”

Mr. Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, have encouraged local residents to donate blood for the victims.

“I will continue to offer support and assistance to the city of West, and ask that all Americans join me in remembering West in their prayers,” Mr. Cornyn said.